I can't be the only one who gets a little down this time of year. Why not blog about it? Humor seems to help. Here's some Dont's and a few Do's this Christmas season. Most I have learned the hard way!
DON'T! Watch "The Christmas Shoes" movie if you're already sad. This is not helpful. The song alone is a complete tearjerker. This one I did last night. BIG mistake.
DO! Watch "The Office" immediately following any sad movie. Last night Michael Scott saved a life (his own). He was thinking about jumping off the roof of his office building but was talked down by his co-workers. He took credit for saving his own life. I sure needed that laugh. LAUGH, it's good for the soul.
DON'T! In a weak moment, eat the king-size Hersey Bar in an old fashioned wrapper that you purchased for your mother-in-law for Christmas (from Cracker Barrel). Sorry JoAnne. Because you don't have any other chocolate in the house.
DO! Always have chocolate in the house. Duh.
DON'T! When you aren't feeling well, watch a marathon of "House" because when the doorbell rings you think Hugh Laurie might be at your door.
DO! Turn off the TV. Take a bath. Read. Sleep.
DON'T! Get all weird and hide out in your house. Don't be afraid to call a friend and say, "I'm sad and really missing_____." Who cares how long it's been? When I am 90 years old, I am still going to miss Jeff Wenzel, love of my life, daddy to my kids. I really need to take my own advice here. I am becoming a hermit this week.
DO! Pick up the phone.
DON'T! Be afraid to ask for help. I feel like I am always needing help. And it stinks. But people want to help; we just need to tell them. With our mouth. Without pride. We must set it aside. We all just need each other. Some more than others. And that's okay.
Do! Let people in. It's biblical for others to serve each other. Sometime we serve them and sometimes they serve us.
DON'T! Be so wrapped up in your own Christmas festivities and Jolly Good Time that you miss the person near you who might be struggling this year. Not everyone is happy this time of year. Others have lost someone. Others have lost a job. Others are going through a divorce. Others are struggling financially. Fill in the blank ____________.
DO! Look around and see if someone needs you. They might not have the courage to say so. You might be aware because God has led your heart. Because you were listening to His voice. How brave of you.
DON'T! Be afraid to say the name of the person who has gone to heaven. I sure know I love to hear it. I don't want my kids to ever forget their dad. Maybe send a card to a family member telling them you are thinking of them. Just something saying this person has not been forgotten.
DO! Give extra hugs and kisses to your loved ones. You never know how many days you have. Each one is a blessing. Be grateful for your spouse. Treat them with respect. They are a gift.
I may have to read these words often this month. Moments feel heavy and days feel long. But Jesus has always been the reason we celebrate Christmas. Not all the sparkly lights and presents. I will try to keep my eyes on Him. If you too are grieving this Christmas, I pray He can lighten your load. Always with Hope.
